For another Monday night lecture, 3 guest parents came in for our panel. I went into lecture with the notion that all of their answers were going to be the same as all of the other guest panels. To my surprise they weren't.
There have been a couple of reoccuring questions. 1) What do you think makes a good teacher. 2) How do you feel about NCLB (no child left behind)?
As any parent, they overall felt that a good teacher is someone who is willing to help strategize on how to help a student succeed or learn something. As a parent, you just want whats best for your child. After discussing NCLB with fellow class members, many of us have had a rather negative view on the Act. I was a little shocked to hear other teachers, board members and other administrators supporting NCLB. Finally, the group of parents were the ones who opposed the Act. They went on to explain how they could see "all of the data" being beneficial to the teachers and schools, but what did it show about their own children?? Keep in mind, two of these parents happen to be teachers (or were). How is NCLB and the data really beneficial to their children? I had been wondering whether the other panels were just defending NCLB to try justifying it. But in all honesty I could see how several years of data could prove to be worthwhile for them, but then again; it does nothing for the students during the time those tests are taken.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Three Cups of Tea
Our Book: Three Cups of Tea
This is a truly inspiring book about one man's mission. This man is Greg Mortenson. His original goal was to climb to the top of the K2 mountain in Pakistan to honor his dead sister, Christa, by planting her necklace at the top. Because he was so physically and emotionally drained from this treacherous expedition, he was unable to complete this goal. On his way down he came across the village of Korphe, thinking it was a different village. It was there that his mission and goal changed. After being treated with nothing but kindness and hospitality, Greg went outside one morning to see the shocking sight of the village's school; if you could even call it that. Imagining stepping outside to see children sitting in the cold and drawing in the dirt. This was their school. This was the education they had. Greg was in awe at the sight of how determined these children were to learn. It was then that he decided he would find a way to fundraise enough money to build a school for the village. After several long and trying years him and the CAI (Central Asia Institute; funded initially by Jean Hoerni), have built more than 60 schools in the Middle East. Through his efforts and the efforts of hundreds of supporters, over 24,000 boys and girls have been given an education.
KIPP Academy
60 Minutes - KIPP Academy
I find this program amazing! It really shows that there really are kids out there who want to learn and succeed and will do anything for that privilege. There are too many students into the United States (and elsewhere) who take education for granted. I think the KIPP Academy is an excellent idea. In fact, I wish there were more schools and programs in the United States that operated the way they do. I feel that the best way to keep peace and lower poverty rates, is if you have an more educated society. Seeing the teachers in the Academy working how they do, with the strict policies and structure, I am inspired to try reaching out even more to the underprivileged students. I fully support the KIPP Academy's efforts.
I find this program amazing! It really shows that there really are kids out there who want to learn and succeed and will do anything for that privilege. There are too many students into the United States (and elsewhere) who take education for granted. I think the KIPP Academy is an excellent idea. In fact, I wish there were more schools and programs in the United States that operated the way they do. I feel that the best way to keep peace and lower poverty rates, is if you have an more educated society. Seeing the teachers in the Academy working how they do, with the strict policies and structure, I am inspired to try reaching out even more to the underprivileged students. I fully support the KIPP Academy's efforts.
Observing in Galena
During spring break of '08 I went into Galena to observe the Elementary General Music classes. The teacher there is a Luther Alum. and also my old babysitter. :-) I was so excited to see her and ask her about her Luther experience and talk about some of the professors we both had, etc. The first thing that I noticed when I got there was the design and setup of the school. It was built during the 70's, if that gives you any clues to this unique building. Not really? Okay, so this school is built in the round. Meaning...there really aren't any hallways or walls in the school. The only cement blocked walls are the outside structure and the gymnasium and music room. The music room is right off of the gym, which is also the lunch room. The classrooms are all seperated by those office cubical walls. In order to get to another classroom you basically go through another class. I believe the idea was to help create more of a unified school. Instead, you hear what is going on in the other classes. The students and teachers are used to, but I think you can see where a problem can occasionally occur.
As classes began, I realized that there was quite a high minority rate. Not only that, but several of the younger hispanic students didn't even speak English. Some families sent their children to school with no English, figuring they would pick it up on their own, which they did. It was interesting, however; to see my old babysitter doing the lessons and some of the songs in both English and occasionally some Spanish. She was able to incorporate so many hidden musical concepts in her competencies. I learned so much from her in that one day. I am reassured in the Luther Ed. department because I can see how much she has learned and what she is able to do with her students. It's more reassuring knowing that her and I are so much alike, I know what to look forward to in my future.
As classes began, I realized that there was quite a high minority rate. Not only that, but several of the younger hispanic students didn't even speak English. Some families sent their children to school with no English, figuring they would pick it up on their own, which they did. It was interesting, however; to see my old babysitter doing the lessons and some of the songs in both English and occasionally some Spanish. She was able to incorporate so many hidden musical concepts in her competencies. I learned so much from her in that one day. I am reassured in the Luther Ed. department because I can see how much she has learned and what she is able to do with her students. It's more reassuring knowing that her and I are so much alike, I know what to look forward to in my future.
Faster Reader Lecture
Usually my weekday evenings are pretty booked. But in order to fulfill and "lecture" requirement for my Ed. Psych class, I skipped out on one of my many evening music commitments (don't tell anyone). ;-) I'm glad I did.
A guest speaker came in to help all of us learn how to read faster. It was quite interesting and a really easy process. All you have to do is read for a minute, stop, and then mark your ending spot. Count how many lines you read. Go back to the beginning and skim/read through the stuff you just read as fast as you can. While you are doing this part of the reading make sure to use your finger to follow. You don't have to worry about retaining anything, just keep your eyes moving. Do this for a minute. Mark that spot as well. Usually you are now twice as far as you were the first time. Count how many lines you read again. Now skip to the next paragraph and, using your finger to follow, read as fast as you can. The whole time he kept reminding us to keep our eyes moving forward. A lot of times your eyes pause while reading. Think about it when you are reading next (or during this blog) and pay attention to your eyes. Are they moving continuously? Needless to say, my reading speed nearly doubled. This is something that you have to practice in order for it to become habitual and natural.
A guest speaker came in to help all of us learn how to read faster. It was quite interesting and a really easy process. All you have to do is read for a minute, stop, and then mark your ending spot. Count how many lines you read. Go back to the beginning and skim/read through the stuff you just read as fast as you can. While you are doing this part of the reading make sure to use your finger to follow. You don't have to worry about retaining anything, just keep your eyes moving. Do this for a minute. Mark that spot as well. Usually you are now twice as far as you were the first time. Count how many lines you read again. Now skip to the next paragraph and, using your finger to follow, read as fast as you can. The whole time he kept reminding us to keep our eyes moving forward. A lot of times your eyes pause while reading. Think about it when you are reading next (or during this blog) and pay attention to your eyes. Are they moving continuously? Needless to say, my reading speed nearly doubled. This is something that you have to practice in order for it to become habitual and natural.
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